crossbreed

crossbreed

the offspring produced by such a breeding

Crossbreed

an animal obtained by mating two or more different breeds. Crossbreeds of the first generation display heterosis in certain economically valuable traits, such as milk yield, egg-laying capacity, or wool yield. In commercial crossbreeding, crossbreeds are raised to obtain animals of increased productivity. Owing to their complex, heterogeneous genetic structure, crossbreeds serve as good material for selection in developing new breeds. In contrast to hybrids, crossbreeds readily mate with one another and yield fertile offspring (seeHYBRIDIZATION).

crossbreed

[′krȯs‚brēd]

(biology)

To propagate new individuals by breeding two distinctive varieties of a species. Also known as outbreed.

Dissatisfaction with the calving difficulty, pregnancy rate and postpartum health of dairy cows of mostly North American Holstein ancestry, has brought about a global interest in cross breeding,' says Professor Hansen.

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